Ever notice when you are in the hospital, the nurses always bring you a big cup of water and tellyou to drink the whole thing throughout the day? That is because H 2 0 is hydrating, refreshing and helps your body work.
Drinking water during pregnancy helps prevent hemorrhoids and other pregnancy symptoms. It also helps ship the prenatal vitamins and healthy foods you eat straight to your fetus!
That’s right, it all starts with water. This simple liquid helps your cells absorb essential nutrientsand transports vitamins, minerals and hormones to the blood cells. Those nutrient-rich bloodcells absorb into the placenta and ultimately your baby. Water makes up approximately 60percent of our bodies and helps not only with nutrient absorption and delivery, but with waste removal, digestion and body temperature regulation.
So how much should you drink every day? Since you need more water to keep your systemrunning for two, the amount varies based on your body type and size, how active you are andother factors. A general rule of thumb is somewhere between eight and twelve 8-ounce glasses ofwater, or even fluid from other sources, each day. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what works for you and your baby.
You’ll feel better when you space out your sips and keep them coming steadily throughout the day. Try not to gulp down a glass all at once, or you may feel uncomfortably full. You can take the hassle out of hydration by filling a water bottle in the morning and keeping it handy all day. Be sure to sip before, during and after you exercise, or if you find yourself outside on a hot day. Remember that if you feel thirsty, it's a sign that your body is already on its way to dehydration.
There are other delicious ways to stay hydrated. Think about a nice slice of ice-cold watermelon, which contains about 93 percent water. In fact, a glass of water tastes great and is even morerefreshing with a couple cubes of watermelon in it! Watermelon is packed with electrolytes and potassium, which help replenish the body’s hydration levels and can aid in muscle recovery after exercise. It is also rich in vitamins A and C, magnesium and lycopene. Also, crunchy cucumber slices contain 96 percent water content and make great dippers for ranchdressing, hummus, guacamole or just chilled by themselves. They are also a good source of vitamin Kand potassium.
Leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, arugula and kale are packed with water, fiber, vitamin C and iron,all of which are essential for energy levels and overall hydration. Make it simple and add a lettuce leaf to your sandwiches and wraps and pour oil and vinegar over them for a crunchy, satisfying snack.Your baby benefits from everything you put in your mouth and will thrive with plenty of liquids and healthy foods. Keep your little one floating happily until she appears!